Craft Suds For Everyone

On June 14, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Majority Leader DeanSkelos and AssemblySpeakerSheldonSilver announced an agreement on legislation that will strengthen and help grow New York State’s vibrant craft beer industry—including everyone’s favorite Southampton Publick House. The proposed legislation, which is co-sponsored by FredThiele, is designed to support New York’sbreweries and wineries, increase demand for locally grown farm products and expand industry-related economic development and tourism. The legislation will protect an important tax benefit for small breweries that produce beer in New York, exempt breweries that produce small batches of beer (regardless of location) from paying an annual State Liquor Authority fee and create a FarmBrewery license that will allow craft brewers to expand their operations through opening restaurants or selling new products. The legislation comes on the heels of a March ruling wherein a New York State excise tax exemption for in-state brewers was deemed unconstitutional. Cheers to the local economy. And to the beers.